It’s the night after my conversation with Kiritsugu.

  What I thought would be a simple nudge toward future events became a major trauma bomb.

  Thankfully, I managed to avert the crisis. I’ll need to remind myself not to touch on stuff like that.

  Regardless, we are now in the shed I have dubbed my workshop, which is the core of my research as a Magus, something I didn’t have back home.

  I’m pretty sure that if any Magi worth their salt saw the state and location of my centre of operations, filled with random mechanical rubbish and no magical appliances, they would either ugh their asses off and pass the whole thing off as some sort of joke... or more realistically kill my family and friends and then torch the pce down to make them repent to the insult they had inadvertently done to all of those who practiced Thaumaturgy.

  Still, the shack served its purpose well, as once more, I started the night analyzing over a dozen random objects inside and telling Kiritsugu what I knew of the object and what was wrong if it didn't work, carefully going over every detail as he did so. I realized early on that Shirou's method for Structural Analysis should be used for Tracing to get the best results. Modifications are on the table, but there is one reason why it is necessary.

  Permanent Projections.

  I was surprised when I remembered this feat that Shirou achieved. While he originally didn’t make much use of this, I don’t pn on making the same mistake.

  “Alright Shirou,” Kiritsugu said, snapping me out of my stupor. I was taking a break to not strain my Magic Circuits. “I think now would be a good time to teach you about Bounded Fields.”

  "You mean like that magic security system you have set up around the house?" I tilted my head to the side.

  Kiritsugu nodded. "Correct. A Bounded Field is a topographic type of Magecraft, or in yman's terms, a long-term spell spread over a given area. To make one, you have to, in a sense, knit a network of mana and spread it on a base area, such as a piece of nd or a building, to create a mystic boundary line that separates the inside from the outside. The clearly advanced ones cover literal spaces, be it in midair or underground; however, that is something beyond what I can teach you." He scratched his head sheepishly. "As you know, I'm unable to use much magic anymore; however, I was rather good at setting up and especially good at tearing down fields. The one around the house, for example, is almost impossible to detect even by strong mages since it does not attack or defend but simply informs us of when someone with ill intentions comes inside. This includes humans and nonhumans, which is somewhat rare for Bounded Fields.”

  “To do all that without any magic text books is awesome!”

  "Right…" Kiritsugu ughed nervously. "Anyways, Bounded Fields are what pretty much every Magi uses to protect their workshop. There are 2 ways to make an effective defence against a workshop. The first is to make the fields you construct so subtle that the invading Magi won't detect them and their effects until it is too te, and the other is to make the fields so overwhelmingly strong that they can overwhelm any offence that the enemy can think of." He smirked zily. "I have a different approach to using and looking at magic compared to other magi, so I was pretty good at finding the weaknesses in strong fields. I once broke through a very strong set of fields around one noble's home in about 3 hours. According to my guesses, it would take even a strong magus to do the same about a year."

  It was subtle, but I could see a faint blush on Kiritsugu’s face. I would probably be embarrassed too if I bragged about how well he was at mystical breaking and entering. Not like I’m making the situation any better.

  "So then." He coughed and got back to his lesson. "Once made, the boundary line will limit the range of the powers of the Bounded Field, but it is possible to set magic sigils across the inside of the field to expand the area of effect, strengthen it, and do other things. A Magus can erase the sigils, of course, as long as they know what they are doing. As for the boundaries themselves, by interrupting and removing the mana fueling it... so long as you know that the field is there and that you have the knowhow and mana yourself to do so. Some of the stronger fields are nearly impossible to destroy alone since they require certain methods to do so, or they rely on a nearby mana battery to support it."

  Kiritsugu paused for a moment. It was at this point that he remembered that he was talking to a 7-year-old. For what’s probably his first time teaching a child his Magecraft, I’d say that he’s doing good.

  "So… in other words." I said slowly. "You draw a shape with magic, and depending on the spell and how much mana you put in it, you get different strengths and effects." I began to put the lecture into my own words. "Then you can make the field better with those rune things... But the runes and the field can be removed by someone who knows what they are doing... and they will most likely get rid of the runes first because it makes things easier."

  Kitsirugu nodded. "Yeah. The guys at the Clock Tower would use more complicated words, but that's the gist of it." He id down casually. "For now though, let's get back to your training. First, you have to learn how to make the lines to shape your bounded fields. Now close your mind and access your Circuit. Most Fields are rather big, but for now we are just going to focus on making a small circle around the both of us.”

  (...)

  I think I’ve gotten a grasp on my training. I have been practicing my Projecting in addition to my Structural Grasping training to unify my Tracing. When Taiga was around, we would practice sparring in the dojo. While I have the edge in regards to skill, she has trained her instincts and body to dominate in kendo. Thus, she wins most of the time. Most. In the meantime, I went out of my way to help others in school without asking for any compensation. Still gotta keep my rep up to standards.

  The base is set. So long as I kept in those habits, I would at least be in satisfactory condition for when the war comes. Should the Archer be Heroic Spirit EMIYA, I won’t take as long to adapt to the Servant’s memories.

  That was not enough to ensure victory by a long shot. Years of specified training for a boy going into his teen years would not protect him significantly from an experienced Magus, let alone a Heroic Spirit. Shirou's abilities would not be able to pose a significant threat unless I id eyes upon a Noble Phantasm or at least trained to Trace Avalon, and that was still years from now.

  I needed an ace before the fighting started. Thankfully, I wasn’t the only one who shared the sentiment. After much thought and pnning, experimenting a small amount with my abilities one day a week earlier, Kiritsugu had come up with a solution.

  “Ready to head out?” I asked my father, who closed his bag filled with clothes, notes, and a small wooden box.

  “Yes. I should still be gone for a while, but not nearly as long as I normally do. Be good and keep Taiga-chan out of trouble." He patted the boy gently on the head, knowing exactly what he had just said. "Keep to your studies and your routine. Don't try any difficult magic while I'm gone other than your Projection, small Bounded Fields, and Reinforcing objects. If you can show me some improvements when I get back, I'll start to teach you how to reinforce your body.”

  My eyes widened in awe and excitement. Reinforcing a living body was exceptionally difficult and dangerous for most Magi to do... though doing so properly had some very interesting results, including but not limited to enhanced strength, speed, and sight.

  It was one of the first things Shirou wanted to try to do when he learned about the field, as such, it was one of the first things the man had forbidden the boy from doing.

  "Really!" I asked, wondering about all the things I could do.

  The man nodded with a kind face. "Yeah, but you have to show me how much you've improved... and not die... when I come home."

  Ah, the life of a Magus. Your research was so likely to kill you at times that at times it truly was difficult to tell if one was joking about such things...

  I nodded with vigour. "Yeah! Just you watch! I'm gonna make something awesome for you when you get back! And it will work too!" I looked at my dad with conviction.

  "Well, then I better make sure to have something else good to teach you as well when I get back, or else I might run out of things to teach you." Kiristugu ughed as he began to walk out of the house. "Stay safe, Shirou."

  “If you can, get something reted to disguises and the like. I have an idea that I’d like to pursue.” I responded from the door. “Have fun in Engnd! Stay safe!”

  “I will,” he said before closing the door behind him.

  I let go of a breath I didn’t know I was holding. As useful as Kiritsugu is to have around, it pces me between a rock and a hard pce. With him gone, I can talk to people I couldn’t before.

  I quickly head over to the phone and punch in a familiar number.

  “Hello, Is Raiga-san avaible?” I asked.

  (...)

  Annoyed Tohsaka with what I ‘don't know’ so she doesn't feel bad when I help her? Check.

  Find what css Shinji is in and create a schedule on when to meet up for information exchanges? Check.

  Pass on the message that Sakura is open to my house at any time and I am willing to teach her cooking? Check

  Got good quality seating in the Muramasa forge and managed to quell the rage of the Golden King? Check.

  Things have been going well for me so far. My connections have been firmly established.

  I have an appointment ter in the day with a yakuza boss, but I’m not worried about that.

  I am worried about convincing a child that I’m a good person.

  Now, while in theory that wouldn't be hard bu-

  “Stay back, you heathen!” the child in question said as he saw me.

  Meet Issei Ryuudou. Brother of Reikan Ryuudou and son of the temple head.

  He and Shirou are supposed to become friends two years before the Fifth Holy Grail War, though I decided to start early.

  However, there is a bit of a wrench in my pn. He was raised in a temple, and he has some teachings. While he would admit that it is weak, Issei can sense the supernatural. He could tell that something was off with Rin Tohsaka, but that could be just his dislike of females and hatred of her.

  “Can we just talk-” “I wouldn’t dare entertain the thought of interacting with a monster like you!”

  I'll be going around in circles if I use this method. Time to switch tracks, and luckily I have the pride, or ck thereof, to do what I am about to do.

  I put one knee to the ground. Then the other. Then my hands. Finally, my hands.

  Dogeza. A part of traditional Japanese etiquette involves kneeling directly on the ground and bowing to prostrate oneself while touching one's head to the floor. It is used to show deference to a person of higher status, as a deep apology, or to express the desire for a favour from said person.

  It's a final resort for anyone with a sembnce of pride when it comes to begging. However, for a prideless soul like me, I felt no shame in doing this.

  Issei went silent. Many of those who live at the temple stared at us.

  “Now what’s going on here?” a familiar voice asked.

  "Ah, Ryuudou-san, how are you?” I said.

  “Doing fine until I noticed my son standing in front of the nice boy who helped around the temple without asking for anything in return, kneeling on the ground head first. Issei! Are you gonna stay there gawking or what?” The temple head replied.

  “No father,” Issei said. “I apologize for my misgivings. I did not realize you assisted the temple.”

  “It’s fine,” I waved off. “I usually come off as cold to most.”

  "No, its not. I let my bias get the better of my judgement. Please, stand up.” I comply.

  “I think we started off on the wrong foot. I’m Emiya Shirou; a pleasure to meet you.” I introduce.

  “Ryuudou Issei. Likewise.” We shake hands.

  ‘That was easier than I thought it would.’ I thought to myself.

  (...)

  Wow is the first thing that comes to mind as I step into the Fujimura compound.

  Coming from money, I grew up in a mansion. Wealth was never a problem until ter in life, though that was of my own volition.

  That said, I can never stop my surprise for things like this. If Shirou were conscious, I'm sure he would have the same reaction.

  A maid greeted me and guided me to a room. She then left.

  I open the sliding door to see a figure covered in darkness.

  “So you finally arrived,” it said.

  “I’m gd that I’ve been expected.” I answer, stepping into the room and closing the door behind me.

  “I’ve heard a lot of things about you. I’m surprised that Kiritsugu’s kid would make such a big name for himself.”

  "Well, I hope that they’re all good.”

  “Why? Is there something you’ve done that you don’t want people to know?”

  “Maybe. However, I don’t think I need to be afraid of letting some secrets slip out to a man like you.”

  …

  "Pfft.” Eventually, someone broke.

  "Well, aren’t you a funny kid, so readily pying along with me.” the yakuza boss said.

  “I’m the funny one? You were waiting for me in a pitch-dark room.” I replied.

  “It set up a good atmosphere, no?” I don’t answer and turn on the lights.

  The room, while spacious, is neither one for meetings nor one I’d assume Raiga used normally. It would be more fitting as a closet than anything.

  “So what can I do for ya, kid?”

  “Why do you think this visit is for business?”

  “The st time we met, you looked like you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

  “With the businesses you run, how could I not be wary?”

  “Fair, I am willing to help you out, for a price.”

  “Honestly, the focus of this visit was to get some information. The fact that I might help your business if you give me this information won’t give me a discount, will it?”

  “Hmmm. Since this is your first time asking for my help, I'll give you a freebie. But know that this will be a one-time thing.”

  “I was wondering who your competitors were?”

  “With how many businesses I’m part of, you'll have to be more specific.”

  “Are there any particurly unsavoury folk who are encroaching on your territory?

  “Of course. Fuyuki may be a quiet city, but that doesn't mean there aren't troublemakers causing crime.”

  “I’m sure with your connections you could find something more concrete, no?”

  “Probably, but what’ll ya do if I do tell ya?”

  “Only something to help you out is all. Someone swoops in to clean up the city, and you profit. Everyone leaves happy, and the city’s a better pce.”

  “Hahaha! Ya certainly are Kiritsugu’s kid. Ya better with ya words than ‘im though.”

  “Does that mean we have a deal?” I said as I put my hand forward.

  “I think we can work something out.” Raiga said, csping mine with his and shaking it.

  I grin, for I have made a very promising ally.